Community Chat

[handygal2]

After reading all of their "farewell" messages, l doubt that any of the three hosts are leaving voluntarily. My guess is that their contracts were not renewed, as a cost-cutting measure. Fewer hosts will be needed now that HSN won't have live broadcasts overnight, so they're salary-dumping some longer-term hosts, who earn higher pay.

[AngelLove2]

True! They are keeping Tina and Debbie probably the last 2 hired. Watched the last 5 minutes of Robin's show. It was sad. At least her husband still has a job there.

[KentuckyWoman]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

I don't see shopping networks sticking around for much longer. The economic landscape just doesn't support those kinds of places for consumers looking to spend their money. Amazon and Walmart gets most of my money.

Hosts leaving...I think it's a sign of erosion.

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I think you could could be right.  When QVC and HSN hit the air waves, TV retail shopping was new and Internet sales were non existent.  A lot has changed over the past 35 years.  I think HSN has been on longer than QVC.  And, you must realize some of these hosts have been around for 20 to 25 years or longer.  Employees don't last that long at one business anymore.  Jill left after 25 years.  That's a long time to stand in front of a TV camera and sell everything from jewelry to Poo Pourri.

[Bird mama]

The landscape is changing for sure.  I'm more familiar with Connie and I wish her and the rest of the hosts well on future endeavors.  

[VaBelle35]

I think we're going to see a reduction in the number of hosts and hosts appearing on both channels and more "reruns" in the middle of the night as they reduce the live hours.

For me, I never understood the need to have 2-3 (and 4 if you have the Social Media Host) hosts for a show.  If the whole point is to make a connection with the customer, then you need one host talking directly to the camera.  Talking to each other does not make a connection with the customer.  

They could save a ton of money on talent by going back to one host per show.

[MarthaStewardess]

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@VaBelle35 wrote:

I think we're going to see a reduction in the number of hosts and hosts appearing on both channels and more "reruns" in the middle of the night as they reduce the live hours.

For me, I never understood the need to have 2-3 (and 4 if you have the Social Media Host) hosts for a show.  If the whole point is to make a connection with the customer, then you need one host talking directly to the camera.  Talking to each other does not make a connection with the customer.  

They could save a ton of money on talent by going back to one host per show.

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I agree.  One host per show and cut out a lot of the guests.

[SahmIam]

Understand that I've watched HSN far, far longer than QVC (didn't even know about QVC until I visited my parents one weekend), so my opinion is based on the amount of time I've watched:

Robin Wall was the "next Colleen" when she first appeared: she resembled a young Colleen Lopez and has a very similar voice. The problem was, she had no experience. She was, however, the new and younger wife of a HSN executive and the HSN forum exploded with dislike almost immediately. I remember when I first saw her: I thought it was CL due to the voice and when I looked at the TV, thought it WAS Colleen but she looked a bit different. Come to find, it was Robin. She wasn't very good and it was obvious she was inexperience. Many believe she had that job simply due to her husband. (kind of like Joy's daughter being used for Iman when she had no talent to speak of but hey, we have to use her cause of ......JOY).

Connie never came across to me as friendly. Professional and aloof. Knew her stuff. But not friendly or inviting. A few moments of her and I was gone. When paired with Adriene Arpel, it was difficult to watch as she oozed the "I SO do not want to be here". 

Bret was wonderful with Adriene, Trish and many other vendors. On another forum (where it has since been removed as of this morning), there were comments that his leaving could have been related to his being more open on air about him being gay. I noticed that during a few on air presentations, he hinted at his lifestyle in a way I'd never seen before. It was mentioned that was something hosts are not to do (bring their s e x , religious and political beliefs to on air presentations) and that perhaps this was why he's leaving. Others thought that since he knew he was being fired, it didn't matter so he chose to truly be himself. I always found him polished, professional and just a nice host to watch; sorry to see him go.

Colleen and Bobby are the face of HSN. Colleen has a jewelry line, a clothing line and specific vendors work directly with her so I doubt she's going anywhere. Bobby choosing to leave is one thing; I don't see her being forced out due to her recognition. Amy, of the Beauty Report, has her own show as well. I think those with "shows" are safe. Notice that none of the 3 leaving had "shows". They were scheduled whenever they were needed.

Then again, it could all be done to the numbers: those that sell the most stay, those that don't....good-bye.

Time will tell.

[Lipstickdiva]

@SeaMaiden, these people aren't retiring. They'll move on to something else. They are too young and I doubt they made that kind of money.

[Lipstickdiva]

Robin started off as a model on HSN then transitioned to a host. She isn't the first they've done that with but she lasted the longest. HSN goes through a ton of hosts. It's like a revolving door there. They come and go so fast, many don't even know they were there.